Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Rewarding Myself!

I have a tough boss.  She is demanding, rarely lets me takes breaks and always assigns projects to me that I don't want to do!  We argue quite a bit actually.  As my boss is my sensible side that makes good decisions and runs a successful business, she usually gets her way!

But my carefree, creative side needs to have her way sometimes too!


 You wouldn't think that longarm quilting is seasonal but there are annual events that affect the amount of work we quilters have.  This time of year, we are loaded with graduation and wedding quilts.  And these type of quilts are usually large bed size and custom quilted.  So I have been really standing at my machine for many hours each and every day.


So I thought it was about time I got to start something new and not have to make something out of my older stash.  Reward myself a bit.  Last August I had won a gift certificate to the Knotted Thread from The Littlest Thistle.  I used it to purchase these two half yard bundles.


A total of three yards of Simply Style by V & Co.



And a total of 4.5 yards of Alison Glass' Bike Path Sun Prints. 



 I decided to combine the two collections and add in some Kona Ash and make some Rolling Stone blocks.  This block is my all-time favorite block!



 My beautiful niece graduates from high school this June so I thought I would make her a quilt top she can take to college if she wants.  She, of course, is probably not going to get it until next fall!




I am having so much fun sewing up these blocks!   I have been thumbing my nose at my sensible self and staying up too late, ignoring my chores and eating poorly because I want to spend all my time in my sewing room.  Even though I took this photo yesterday morning, my design wall is now covered completely with blocks.  Soon I will have all of the blocks finished and will be sharing the next steps with all of you.









Recently, my sew group made a quilt using this same block for a charity quilt.  We used a bike theme fabric in the center and swapped around the color placement.











Here it is on my longarm - I love the thin dark gray sashing that was used to sew the blocks together.  I haven't decided yet how I will be setting my blocks.



That will be for another post!



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Linking up:

My Quilt Infatuation
Lily's Quilts (Fresh Sewing Day)

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Oh Scrap! : Musings of a Menopausal Melon

Whenever I work with my scraps, my mind instantly thinks of quilts.  I rarely think to make something smaller.  But I am always inspired by smaller scrap projects when I see them and hope to try some of them in the future. I certainly have enough of them bookmarked!

When Sandra who blogs over at Musings of a Menopausal Melon shared with me a fun pouch she was working on, I thought it was a great scrap project and perfect for the Oh Scrap series.  




Isn't it cute?!?  
She is sharing a tutorial on how to make one of your very own over on her blog today.  She is calling it a Pyramid Pouch.  I might just have to make one with some solid scraps I have kicking around.


http://musingsofamenopausalmelon.blogspot.ca/2014/05/dogwood-picnic.html 





By the way, Sandra was really busy in 2014 sewing up her scraps into Scrap-A-Palooza quilts.  I love her pink and green woven Dogwood quilt.  Perfect for springtime!


Once you have checked out her tutorial, be sure and take some time to peek at her pretty quilts too!










Now, what have you been working on.  Are you doing some spring cleaning and sewing your scraps into something fun?  I hope you share it!

Here are the details for linking up:


  • This linky party is for any scrappy project - It can be in-process or a finished piece.
  • You can link up your blog post (not your homepage please) or Instagram photo from the past week that features your use of scraps.
  • If you are linking to a blog post, I ask that you link back to my blog somewhere in your post. So if you are writing about scraps, just get into the habit of including a link as there will be a linky party available every week!
  • If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #ohscrap.
  • This is a party so remember to socialize and comment on the posts of others.
  • Following my blog is not necessary but it sure would be great if you do!
Quilting is more fun than Housework
<a href="http://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54Z8EyMCoCg0j1sBoz_APBotiRQveh32vQoL2dCSO4nQFAi8du60IuUCQp3Hb18vGD8IrM0W6_vmuufImGcr4Pf2Ve2dNIWd5LbQJfyDTRjtcekT6coT7c2nSCOG_9dvjiKGVAnuTN70/s1600/Oh+Scrap+Button.jpg" alt="Quilting is more fun than Housework" width="125" height="125" /></a>

So if you love scrappy projects, feel free to grab my button for your sidebar or posts and get ready to share all your wonderful projects from scraps.  And if you have a great idea for using scraps and would like to be featured, feel free to contact me!
If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on Craftsy, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Feedly, Instagram, Google +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar!


 Linking up:

Thursday, March 26, 2015

A Speedy Quilt Top Finish

Just a few days ago I shared my last completed blocks for Happy Quilting's Irish Chain Twist Quilt Along.  Finding myself with some time in my sewing room, I have already sewn up all the blocks into a flimsy.  Yay for a finished quilt top!




 I always enjoy Melissa's Quilt-Alongs.  This is my third one.  As usual, her instructions were great and the steps were broken down so the work for each week was very achievable.




 This quilt did cause me to work a bit out of my comfort zone.  I am not a big fan of a lot of white space.  But the 1930's fabric I wanted to use up needed a white background.  I was also a bit challenged with the wonky lines.  But I trusted the process and explored something I wouldn't normally do and the quilt turned out fine.











Here is a view of it pinned on one of my design walls.  I am happy to say this quilt has FINALLY depleted all of my reproduction prints.  There still might be a small scrap or two but all of the bigger pieces are now gone.












Here is a shot of the fabric for the backing.  I was even able to find it on discount at a recent quilt store visit.  I think it looks like it was made for this quilt!


Can you see the seam I put in?  I love to always try and match up the print on my backing.  This one was an easy one.






I actually finished up the quilting already - can you believe it!?!.  I will be revealing the finished quilt later in April.  Melissa will be putting together a quilt parade showing all of the finished quilts on April 23rd.  You definitely won't want to miss it!






If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on Craftsy, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Feedly, Instagram, Google +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar!  




Monday, March 23, 2015

Final Irish Chain Twist Blocks

It is hard to believe that we are already finishing up our last blocks on Happy Quilting's Irish Chain Twist Quilt Along.  It seems like we just got started!




Here are all five of my appliqued chain blocks.  Rather than follow the instructions for a raw edged applique, I decided to needle turn my seed shapes. It probably took a lot more time but hand sewing is something I really enjoy.



With all the blocks finished, I am assuming this week we will be sewing up the quilt top.  I searched my fabric for a backing and didn't come up with anything I liked.  But I did make a trip to my favorite LQS shop today and found that fun dark pumpkin printed with green Xs.  I think it will be perfect for the back - this quilt needs some color! 

 


 To see the blocks made by other quilters, you can go here.  There really some fun, bright fabrics being used!







If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on CraftsyFacebookPinterest, Bloglovin'FeedlyInstagramGoogle +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar!

  
Linking up:

Happy Quilting 

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Oh Scrap! : RSC15 Progress

First, I want to thank everyone for sharing their scrappy projects with Oh Scrap! each week.  I really do appreciate the support.  Every week the party grows and seeing all that scrappy inspiration makes my "Oh, I want to do that" list grow too!

I thought today I would share my progress on the Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks with So Scrappy.  The color for March is yellow.




 And here are all twelve blocks finished to date.  January was blue, February was pink and the sunny yellow was this month.  I think these blocks will make a happy quilt when December rolls around and all the blocks are finished.




Now it is time to link up and share what scrappy projects you have worked on this week.  Here are the details for linking up:

  • This linky party is for any scrappy project - It can be in-process or a finished piece.
  • You can link up your blog post (not your homepage please) or Instagram photo from the past week that features your use of scraps.
  • If you are linking to a blog post, I ask that you link back to my blog somewhere in your post. So if you are writing about scraps, just get into the habit of including a link as there will be a linky party available every week!
  • If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #ohscrap.
  • This is a party so remember to socialize and comment on the posts of others.
  • Following my blog is not necessary but it sure would be great if you do!
Quilting is more fun than Housework
<a href="http://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54Z8EyMCoCg0j1sBoz_APBotiRQveh32vQoL2dCSO4nQFAi8du60IuUCQp3Hb18vGD8IrM0W6_vmuufImGcr4Pf2Ve2dNIWd5LbQJfyDTRjtcekT6coT7c2nSCOG_9dvjiKGVAnuTN70/s1600/Oh+Scrap+Button.jpg" alt="Quilting is more fun than Housework" width="125" height="125" /></a>

So if you love scrappy projects, feel free to grab my button for your sidebar or posts and get ready to share all your wonderful projects from scraps.  And if you have a great idea for using scraps and would like to be featured, feel free to contact me!


 
If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on Craftsy, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Feedly, Instagram, Google +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar!

 Linking up:

Friday, March 20, 2015

So Happy it is Finished!

I can't tell you how happy I am that I finished another of these Sunbonnet Sue quilts!  I think this one is the 7th one I made using a stack of blocks passed down in the family.  I only have enough blocks for one more - which will be purple and green.  But right now it is just a stack of blocks and some fabric so it will not be finished any time soon!.




I decided just to do a daisy all over quilt pattern on this one.  Go ahead Quilting Police and come arrest me - I quilted right over the applique and decorative stitching.  This one won't be coming apart for years!










For the backing, I had purchased a blue fabric many moons ago.  The year on the selvage was 2005 so it shows you how long this top has been waiting to be quilted.
alyof2015 

Finishing up this quilt was my A Lovely Year of Finishes goal for March.  A big thanks to Fiber of All Sorts and Sew Bittersweet Designs for hosting the event and keeping me focused on getting these older projects finished!



Whoot!  Whoot!



If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on Craftsy, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Feedly, Instagram, Google +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar!  

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

A Scrap-A-Palooza Mash-Up

A little secret is I kind of pride myself on being able to judge fairly closely how many blocks I can get from a pile of scraps.  And most of the time, I am pretty accurate.  So I was quite surprised recently when my scraps that were supposed to yield me over 50 blocks only made about 36 blocks.  Hhmmm....Not nearly enough for me to make the quilt I had planned!

After I cut the required fabric for my Irish Chain Twist Quilt Along from all of my 1930's scraps, I decided to cut the leftovers into strings and make a baby quilt.  I was going to use the same technique I shared on the Scrap-A-Palooza string quilt.  Now with fewer blocks, I knew I would have to come up with a different layout.




 Then I remembered the layout for the Scrap-A-Palooza Ripple quilt I made.  So I decided to combine the quilts and make a Scrap-A-Palooza mash up!





I used Kona Snow for the solid and decided to add a few Snow strings into the blocks.  
I really like how it looks.




Because I only had 36 blocks, I just kept playing with the layout until I was able to use almost all of the blocks.  I think with this layout using 12 blocks in the center, I had two extra blocks that went into my Orphan Block Suitcase.  I will hopefully find a use for them at a later date.




I was even able to stretch a 1930's print I had with the use of a lavender solid for the backing.  I love it when a bit of creative problem solving results in a sweet finish!


A Quilting Chick 

And as awkward as it can look, I do sew my string blocks as a leader/ender project.  Working on your own leader/ender project? Don't forget to link up with A Quilting Chick this week.


If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on Craftsy, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Feedly, Instagram, Google +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar! 
  
Linking up later this week with:

Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Richard and Tanya Quilts

Monday, March 16, 2015

Appliqued Chain Blocks

I have still been working diligently each week on my blocks for Happy Quilting's Irish Chain Twist Quilt Along. This week we started working on the final block which according to Melissa's instructions is raw edged appliqued. Being a fan of needle turn applique, I decided break from the group and use that technique to make my blocks.



Of course there were some challenges I had to overcome right off the bat. First, we cut our fabrics weeks ago so my squares for this block did not contain adequate allowances for me to properly needle turn the edge. So I had to slightly adjust the template.  I also have small gaps between the shapes, which I would not normally have.  In looking at the final layout, this shouldn't have any negative impact on the layout.




With all of my shapes now cut, I am working on getting my blocks hand appliqued. I have two blocks done this week with three more to go for next - which will still work with the schedule Melissa has planned.




Now to try and find something interesting on TV to keep me company while I hand sew.



If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on CraftsyFacebookPinterest,Bloglovin'FeedlyInstagramGoogle +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar!

  
Linking up:

Happy Quilting  

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Oh Scrap! : Val's Quilting Studio

Today, I am so happy to feature one of my blogging friends who always has so much fun playing with her scraps.  She is an Elementary Teacher and her projects are always brimming with color, creativity and playful inspiration.  Yep, I am talking about Val of Val's Quilting Studio.





Val is sharing three great scrappy projects on her blog - one of which are these hexagon blocks where she is looking for input on what color blocks to use in place of the white.  So before you take a look at all the scrappy links below, hop on over to Val's blog and see what she is up to.  You won't be disappointed!


...and this is Jackson.


Oh, and Val's dog Jackson loves scraps too!  (Look at that face - isn't he handsome!)







Here are the details for linking up your projects:
  • This linky party is for any scrappy project - It can be in-process or a finished piece.
  • You can link up your blog post (not your homepage please) or Instagram photo from the past week that features your use of scraps.
  • If you are linking to a blog post, I ask that you link back to my blog somewhere in your post. So if you are writing about scraps, just get into the habit of including a link as there will be a linky party available every week!
  • If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #ohscrap.
  • This is a party so remember to socialize and comment on the posts of others.
  • Following my blog is not necessary but it sure would be great if you do!
Quilting is more fun than Housework
<a href="http://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54Z8EyMCoCg0j1sBoz_APBotiRQveh32vQoL2dCSO4nQFAi8du60IuUCQp3Hb18vGD8IrM0W6_vmuufImGcr4Pf2Ve2dNIWd5LbQJfyDTRjtcekT6coT7c2nSCOG_9dvjiKGVAnuTN70/s1600/Oh+Scrap+Button.jpg" alt="Quilting is more fun than Housework" width="125" height="125" /></a>

If you love scrappy projects, feel free to grab my button for your sidebar or posts and get ready to share all your wonderful projects from scraps.  And if you have a great idea for using scraps and would like to be featured, feel free to contact me!








If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on Craftsy, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Feedly, Instagram, Google +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar!


Linking up:
Blossom Heart Quilts

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Sunday Stash - Feeling Ruler Rich

I admit, I have collected a number of rulers over the years.  Long ones, square ones and quite a few those specialty ones that were supposed to make my quilting easier.  So I haven't really been buying too many rulers in the last few years until I found the Bloc Loc rulers.




I have been using the HST ruler for a couple of years now.  I have been wanting some of the other configurations but they are spendy and always seem to be one of the things that gets deleted from my cart before I hit the "buy" button.

Well, lucky me recently won a gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop from Simply Vanella (Thanks so much!) and I decided I really didn't need any fabric and chose treat myself to some rulers!



I have been really wanting one of the Flying Geese rulers.  I went with the 3" x 6" size.  As soon as I received it in the mail, I pulled some solid scraps and made these cute framed geese blocks.



I also treated myself to a set of the Half-Rectangle rulers.  I definitely see some scrappy stars in my future!

I always love to get fabric in the post but getting these rulers has certainly filled my head with lots of possibilities and designs.  I am looking forward to putting them to good use in the coming months!

Have you tried the Bloc Loc rulers yet?


If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on Craftsy, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Feedly, Instagram, Google +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar!

 
Molli Sparkles 
 
Linking up:



Thursday, March 12, 2015

Pineapple Progress

Last December, I took a hard look at some of the things I wanted to accomplish this year.  One of the items was to start working on some of the quilts on my bucket list.  The first quilt up on the list is finishing a Pineapple Quilt I started in 2009.





In my last progress report, I shared the completed blocks and some layouts I was considering.   Each block measures 8" and is meticulously pieced (no paper piecing).  Since January, these blocks have been moving around my design wall and awaiting a final plan.  This week, I committed to a layout and started testing my quilt math for all the inset triangles.  I have to admit it went together perfectly!


 
And a finished quilt top is born! 
A few of my Pendleton wool blankets were the inspiration for the colors and fabric placement..




So many tiny pieces in such a small area!  With all the many seam allowances, this quilt top is surprisingly heavy.  I wish I would have taken a photo of the backside - it is quite amazing to look at!




I had played with an outside pieced border to bring the colors out to the edge of the quilt but I decided I really liked the blocks just floating in the black fabric.

I will have to shop for a backing for this one.  It might take a while to find something I like.  I am also thinking about the quilting already.  I am considering a combination of dense machine quilting in the background and some big stitch hand quilting in the blocks.   It is a bucket list quilt after all so I can't make it too easy!

While this might not be a finished quilt, I am celebrating the fact I have gotten this far.  I don't even want to think about how many hours I have into this quilt to date.

 

If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on Craftsy, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Feedly, Instagram, Google +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar! 
  
Linking up:

Monday, March 9, 2015

Irish Chain Twist - Modern Patchwork

I have been in a bit of a sewing funk lately.  I have not been inspired to work on any of the projects I currently have up on my design wall and I am trying very hard to resist the urge to start something new.  
So the mindless chain piecing for this week's Irish Chain Twist homework was perfect for the little bit of time I had to sew.




 This week we finished up the Modern Patchwork blocks.  For these blocks, I used up a bunch of purple 30's scraps so it took me a bit to balance out the fabrics prints over the eight blocks I needed.  Once I finished these blocks, I sliced up the rest of the fabrics for a string quilt so I sure hope I don't mess any of them up!




I have now finished two out of the three different block designs used in the quilt.  The next block has applique so I am expecting to be pushed for time to complete them.  I like to do needle turn applique by hand - the actual sewing I can finish pretty quickly but the prep work I tend to procrastinate on.  I am happy there are only 5 blocks to do.  Soon all these blocks will be a completed quilt!




If you are interested in more ways to follow me, you can find me on Craftsy, Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Feedly, Instagram, Google +, or get my blog sent right to your email inbox by entering your email address on the right sidebar! 
 
  
Linking up:

Happy Quilting  
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